In the future, our program will expand to cover welding, sheet metal, and support functions such as CNC machine repair and chemical processing and heat treating.

What is apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a time honored way to learn a skill that cannot be learned by classroom teaching alone, such as Precision Machining. An apprenticeship is a job, you will work full time and attend classes for three to four years. An apprenticeship is also a journey….when you graduate you will be a journeyperson machinist, well on your way to becoming a master of your profession. Above all, apprenticeship is a commitment, you and your employer will have to commit to hard work on the job and at school, ending in a career position with the employer. Click to the right to learn more about apprenticeships in general or the commitment involved in being an apprentice or the pay rates in the program.

Who can be an apprentice?

Anyone can be an apprentice who has the aptitude and motivation for the program, as long as you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Interested people from high school CTE students to aspiring engineers to returning veterans should look at this program. Even if you are currently working as a precision machinist, you can get into the program and get credit for time worked. You must also be authorized to work in the United States...as a citizen or US person.

What if I plan to go to college?

Apprenticeship is a great way to go to college also. With a few more classes you can earn an associates degree and you do not have to stop there. Today’s manufacturing businesses need fully degreed employees. Working while you learn does two important things….keeps you from having a huge college loan debt when you graduate….and makes you much better at your profession because you are applying what you learn every day.

How do I get in?

Interested candidates should read all about apprenticeship on this website, then apply by clicking the link on our Home Page. Only high school graduates or GED holders over 18 years of age will be considered. Applicants must also be physically capable of performing the job duties without posing a danger to themselves or others. Applicants will have to take a 4-part mechanical aptitude test (online computer-based test). A minimum score of 70% is required to be eligible for an apprenticeship. Those who pass the test will be interviewed by phone by a member of the AZPMAP team, and then matched with open apprenticeship positions at precision manufacturing companies in their area. The hiring company will conduct the second interview.